A COUNCIL worker has been sent home in a Sars scare after her boyfriend returned from China with flu-like symptoms.

The cashier was ordered home by bosses at Durham City Council after she also developed an illness.

The woman, who is believed to be in her early 30s, works at the council's Claypath and Meadowfield offices, which are about three miles apart.

She was ordered home last Wednesday, four days after her boyfriend returned from Beijing, where he is believed to have been on business.

Although she works directly with only three other cashiers, about 120 people are thought to be employed in the two council buildings.

They contain the chief executive's office, as well as the revenue, benefits and housing departments.

One council worker, who did not want to be named, said: "She came in to work really under the weather and was sent home when her boss realised her boyfriend had been to China.

"Everyone is just hoping it turns out to be a false alarm."

The woman, who is understood to live with her boyfriend in the Durham City area, has undergone blood tests through her GP. The results are expected later this week.

A council spokesman said the tests were a precautionary measure, adding: "There has not been confirmation of Sars and this was simply a precaution.

"We have taken advice from public and environmental health experts.

"There is only a slim chance that this is Sars."

Last night, a spokesman for North-East public health officials said he had no knowledge of the case.

North-East hospitals have treated more than 20 suspected cases in the region since the scare started.

The spokesman added: "In all cases so far, the patient did not have Sars.

"We are just hoping that that continues."